M. B. Adinortey, R. K. Owusu, I. K. A. Galyuon, W. Ekloh, I. Owusu and D. A. Larbi
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), an enzyme expressed in most human tissues is important in the generation of reduced glutathione - a key product in the control of oxidative stress. A low activity of this enzyme in red blood cells leads to Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G-6-PDD). This disease has been overlooked as one of the causes of increased oxidative stress; a risk factor for diabetes mellitus-a disease which is a threat to the health of many populations. This study aimed at an evaluation of the relationship between G-6-PD deficiency and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Ghanaians and also to determine whether G-6-PD deficient individuals are at risk of developing diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of G-6-PD deficiency was analyzed in a total of 422 individuals – both diabetic and non-diabetic controls. The study showed that G-6-PD deficiency (severe and moderate defect) was significantly (p < 0.001) higher (50.7%) in diabetic individuals compared to non diabetics (22.3%). The odds ratio for diabetes mellitus was 1.61 (95% confidence interval = 1.55-1.67) (p < 0.001). The study confirmed the association between G-6-PD deficiency and diabetes mellitus and that G-6-PD deficiency (moderate and severe) is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus. Treatments that directly prevent a decrease in G-6-PD activity or promote G-6-PD activity or directly reduce G-6-PD deficiency induced oxidative stress could hold a great promise in reducing the risk of developing diabetes mellitus among G-6-PD deficiency individuals.
Share this article